In a press release, the BCCI said: “The BCCI is pleased to announce that not only will the entire tournament be held in India, but also each of the eight franchises will play their seven home games at their respective venues."

Sourav Ganguly stressed that as CAB president, he is in no way influencing anything in the IPL and that the position is purely honorary. He added that he has stepped down from all BCCI and IPL committees.

With ICC World Test Championships in mind, MCC’s cricket committee proposes standardisation of the red ball. Currently, the Dukes ball is used in England, Ireland and West Indies; SG in India; Kookaburra in rest.

Flat pitch, short boundaries and high altitude make Bangalore’s Chinnaswamy Stadium a T20 batsmen’s favourite venue. It is at the six-hitting haven that Virat Kohli’s team will try to salvage the two-match T20 series against Australia.

Earlier, the Indian team head coach Ravi Shastri, too, had spoken about following the government’s decision with regards to playing against Pakistan. At the moment, though, the Indian cricket is divided on the issue.

With India working to isolate Pakistan in the wake of the February 14 Pulwama attack, BCCI CEO Rahul Johri Friday wrote to the International Cricket Council (ICC) urging cricketing nations to “sever ties with countries from which terrorism emanates”.

Rahul Dravid is shepherding the next wave of cricketers who will form the crux of the national team. Following him like the Pied Piper of Hamelin, the wards — whose life, Dravid has helped guide onto the right track — pen their testimonials.